Today, in 2010, we are examining the balance sheet of independence to see what legacy the successive generations of our leaders have left us with. There have also been some positive developments in Africa. Several countries have managed – despite great odds – to overcome conflict and make steady progress. However, in the final analysis, the balance sheet is disappointing. It is time for all of us Africans to stand up and be counted. We have to create the change we want to see. Let our future generations, when celebrating 100 years of independence, also celebrate the 50 years that marked a change from poverty to prosperity.

"In order to strengthen the civilian capacity in peacekeeping operations, it is essential to understand better the evolution and role of civilians within peacekeeping operations... By providing a reflection on the very nature of the civilian dimension of peacekeeping and acknowledging that it is still a largely unexplored field, TfP/ACCORD aims to present new perspectives that contribute meaningfully to enhancing peacekeeping research and field practice."

"...We have to strive to build a set of normative rules and values and generate the collective political will of the people of Africa to hold our public officials accountable for the negative consequences of these unconstitutional changes. We must address both the manifestation of the problem and the cause if we are to move Africa forward."

"This special issue of Conflict Trends on ‘Conflict in the Developing World’ provides a platform for perspectives from the developing South. The introduction of new contributors from Asia and Latin America fosters a wider conversation on the way conflict is evolving globally and encourages dialogue among practitioners and academics beyond Africa. The contributions in this issue record unique, as well as common experiences, in conflict and conflict resolution."

"This issue of Conflict Trends covers the specific developments in African peacekeeping and peace-building, and the synergies and overlapping concerns that exist between them. With the current global economic decline, the challenges of peacekeeping and peacebuilding on the continent are even more acute. It is these challenges that we must address, realistically and over the long term, if keeping the peace and building the peace are to succeed on the African continent."

"The South African experience illustrates that robust and independent democratic institutions – combined with impartial policing, and strong political will and leadership directed at preventing violence – can lead to free and fair elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people. This is a good example for other countries to aspire to and emulate.

"It is... refreshing to observe the United States’ (US) new policy commitment to move away from military solutions as a first response, and towards dialogue and political solutions instead... Such efforts must also be complemented by other major global players... This requires that there be a renewed and genuine global commitment to dialogue, including providing financial resources and skilled personnel who are capable of promoting and facilitating dialogue around the world.

10th Anniversary Issue

"Several watershed events taking place globally and in Africa that will have a significant impact on Africa’s fortunes. Internationally, the global financial crisis, which started in the United States (US), and the election of the first African-American into the office of President of the US have shaped, and will continue to shape, the developments around the world for several decades."